Community rallies for Brush resident Connie Cluff

By Katie Collins Brush News-Tribune Staff Writer

Posted:
11/13/2012 04:00:00 PM MST

Updated:
11/15/2012 02:54:02 PM MST

Connie Cluff

In a small community one often finds people who are willing to give of themselves to help others.They may not be blood relation, but for many who find themselves in need of a caring shoulder in times of distress and desperation, these people become family.

For many residents who have spent time, lived or worked in the City of Brush, Connie Cluff serves as a defining example of that very go-to-friend as a reliable source of consolation, inspiration and most of all a healthy dose of humor when a smile becomes just what the doctor ordered.

Now, however, it is Connie who, although she hasn't sought it out, finds herself in need of support and the many grateful souls who care so deeply for her have organized a fundraiser to give back to their reliable friend. On the afternoon of October 6, the Saturday just after Connie and her husband Tarry had been honored as the BHS Homecoming Parade grand marshals, Connie suffered a massive heart attack that involved a complete blockage of the left carotid artery.

That afternoon she had felt the pains of what she thought was heartburn, sent her neighbor for medicine and laid down. When she arose out of bed she fainted, causing Tarry to call 911.

By the time he got to the door to unlock it, Tarry reports that George Baker was already coming up the steps with paddles. He and Officer Tim White performed CPR at the house and shocked Connie twice before having to perform the action again in the ambulance.

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She was stabilized at the East Morgan County Hospital in Brush before being sent on a Flight for Life helicopter to Greeley.

Now that Connie has overcome this health issue with her usual bright spirit, friends and family have prepared a fundraiser. According to key organizer Charlotte Kerr Dulaney, putting together the event was the least she could do for people she calls family.

“They have both given so much of themselves to their friends, family and community and they deserve this help now,” said Dulaney who had also helped feature the Cluffs on 9News upon their retirement from duties as Mr. and Mrs. Claus in the community.

“I knew it would worry Connie and stress her out to wonder how they would pay for all the medical bills. I have known the Cluffs since high school as I was good friends with their kids and spent a lot of time at their house. So much so, that I even call Tarry ‘Dad'. My mom got cancer about 10 years later and Connie helped me take care of my mom until the day she died. Tarry officiated at my mom's funeral, my wedding and is doing my sisters wedding this weekend. Now it's our turn to help when they need it.”

Dulaney has had a wealth of support from folks such as Susie Caprian, Pam Burns, Sonya Garcia and Becci Mesa, who has served as Dulaney's right-hand gal all while being nine months pregnant.

The "I Heart Connie Cluff Fundraiser" will be held at the Cluffs second home, the Brush High School, on Sunday, November 25 from 4 to 7 p.m. The event will involve a Sloppy Joe dinner provided by community donors and will cost $5 per person, or whatever good will donation that can be conjured up.

The evening will also include a Silent Auction which has already prompted many local entities to donate items such as Beetdigger gear from BHS, gift certificates from The Body Shoppe, Monte White print and gift baskets donated by Stacey Martindale at Gateway Realty, two Barbara Marquardt Photography prints, Christmas items, stocking stuffers, lamps, gift baskets, children's toys and so much more.

If you, your business or organization would like to donate items for the dinner or auction, contact charlottekerrdulaney@gmail.com, call Charlotte at (303) 990-0308 or message her on the ‘I Heart Connie Cluff' facebook page by logging on to facebook.com/IHeartConnieCluffFundraiser.